Is an inherited atosomal-reccesive disorder of the exocrine glands, causing those glands to produce abnormally thick secretions of mucus, and elevation of sweat electrolytes.
[autosomal reccesive=A genetic condition that appears only in individuals who have received two copies of an autosomal gene, one copy from each parent. The gene is on an autosome, a nonsex chromosome. The parents are carriers who have only one copy of the gene and do not exhibit the trait because the gene is recessive to its normal counterpart gene. If both parents are carriers, there is a 25% chance of a child inheriting both abnormal genes and, consequently, developing the disease.exocrine glands=are glands whose secretions pass into a system of ducts that lead ultimately to the exterior of the body]
The glands most affected are those in the in the pancreas and respiratory system and sweat glands. Cystic fibrosis is usually recognised in infancy or early childhood, chiefly among caucasians. The earliest manifestation is meconium ileus, an obstruction of the small bowel by viscid stool. [viscid stool= glutinous or sticky] .
The most reliable diagnostic tool is the sweat test, which shows elevations of levels of both sodium and chloride. Because there is no known cure, treatment is directed at prevention of respiratory infections, which are the most frequent cause of death.
Life expectancy in cystic fibrosis has improved markedly over the past several decades, and with early diagnosis and treatment most patients can be expected to reach mid adulthood.
References;
http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/viscid
http://imagecache.allposters.com/images/pic/CMSPOD/502-28~Lung-with-Cystic-Fibrosis-Posters.jpg
Mosby's dictionary of medicine, nursing and health professions
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